United News of Bangladesh

Rural landscapes across five upazilas of the northern district of Lalmonirhat have been blanketed in a thick veil of fog before dawn over the past few days, showing clear signs of approaching winter. According to the Rajarhat Weather Office, the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.4°C at 9 am on Monday, with humidity at 93 percent, indicating an ongoing seasonal transition. Auto-rickshaw driver Rajen Adhikari from Duhuli area under Sadar upazila said, “I went out early in the morning, but the thick fog made it hard to see the roads. I had to drive carefully.” Meanwhile, villagers have begun preparing for winter as quilts, blankets, and covers are being taken out in homes. While the daytime sun remains bright, the cold intensifies after sunset, particularly around midnight. Early winter chill grips Bangladesh’s northern districts

The interim government on Monday urged the anti-fascist political parties to reach an agreement through discussions within a week on disputed issues such as the implementation of the July Charter and the proposed referendum. “Regarding the timing of the referendum — when it will be held and what its subject will be — as well as the steps to be taken in response to the notes of dissent in the July Charter, the meeting expressed the view that a final decision should be made urgently in line with the proposals made by the Consensus Commission,” said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Chief Adviser’s Office, he said, “The meeting called upon the long-time allied political parties of the anti-fascist movement to hold discussions among themselves on their own and, if possible, to provide the government with a united guideline within the next week in this regard.” Professor Asif said that a united guideline from the political parties would make it much easier for the government to make decisions. “The meeting also emphasised that, given the current situation, there is no room for delay, and everyone must keep this in mind,” he observed. NCC recommends referendum, constitution reform assembly to implement July Charter The Adviser, however, said the government itself will not take any steps to arrange such discussions. He added that if the political parties fail to settle their disputes, the government will act on its own. Asif said the Council of Advisers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to hold the next parliamentary election in the first half of February 2026. He said the emergency meeting of the Council of Advisers was held to discuss the July Charter prepared by the National Consensus Commission and matters related to its implementation. The Adviser said the meeting thanked the National Consensus Commission and the political parties for their efforts to build unity on reform issues and for reaching agreement on many matters. Recommendations on July Charter implementation submitted to CA He said the Council of Advisers discussed the Consensus Commission’s proposed July National Charter, including finalising the Constitution Amendment Order and the holding of the referendum mentioned in the Charter, as well as the subject of that referendum. “It was observed at the meeting that despite long discussions within the Consensus Commission, there remain differing opinions on a few of the reform recommendations. The meeting also noted that disagreements have emerged among political parties over when the referendum should be held and what its subject should be,” the Adviser said. Replying to a question, Asif said the political parties have carried out the anti-fascist movement together for the past 15 years. “We want to give them a little more time. Let’s see if they can discuss among themselves and reach an agreement on the issues I mentioned.” Responding to another question, the Adviser said he had earlier stated that the final decision on the referendum and the implementation of the July Charter would be taken by the Council of Advisers under the leadership of the Chief Adviser. “We have not moved away from that position at all. Expecting a united recommendation from the political parties should be seen as a gesture of goodwill, not as backing down.” NCC holds review meeting with experts on July Charter implementation When a journalist asked whether the government would organise discussions for the political parties or whether they would sit and discuss on their own, Asif said the government has already held many discussions and is not going to organise any further meetings. He said the anti-fascist political parties have, over the past 15 years, discussed matters among themselves and taken many important decisions. “They have worked together during extremely difficult times and faced persecution together. We expect that they will discuss among themselves on their own initiative and provide us with a united guideline. Just yesterday (Sunday), I saw that one party has called for discussions, and we welcome that,” Asif said.    

Dr. Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, former principal secretary of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away early Monday. According to a government statement issued in the morning, he breathed his last at Gulshan residence. 'Tin Goyenda' author Rakib Hasan passes away He will be buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard followed by Namaz-e-Janaza after Asr prayer at Gulshan Azad Mosque, reads the statement. Kamal performed duty as principal secretary of Khaleda Zia till 2006.

The interim government on Sunday said significant advancements have been noted in investment facilitation initiatives across ministries and departments in the country. The updates were presented at the 5th Investment Coordination Committee meeting, chaired by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser. “Our focus on execution and holding each other accountable at this meeting demonstrates our commitment to improving the operating environment for businesses. We have a long way to go but we are going there with clear intent, rigour and transparency," he said. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for ICT Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, along with various secretaries and private business stakeholders, also attended the meeting. Amendment to Free of Charge (FOC) Import Policy The Ministry of Commerce has agreed a policy amendment in principle, to abolish quotas for Free of Charge (FoC) imports by 100% export-oriented companies, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Import Policy Order amendment should be completed within two weeks. This reform is expected to significantly reduce inventory costs and enhance competitiveness. According to BGMEA, the unconditional implementation of this FOC policy could have a multibillion dollar impact on export revenues. Digital Infrastructure Takes Centre Stage A major achievement is the successful launch of Phase 1 of the Bangladesh Business Portal in September 2025, establishing a unified digital gateway for investors. Phase 2, scheduled for completion by December 2025, will introduce the Business Starter Package and Single Sign-On functionality, integrating 29 government services into one streamlined platform. The system will ultimately achieve data interoperability with Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), ASYCUDA, and the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS), creating an unprecedented level of coordination across regulatory agencies. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh's broader digital governance strategy and responds directly to investor feedback, which calls for reduced processing times and enhanced transparency. Port and Customs Modernisation Accelerates The government is implementing transformative changes at Chittagong Port, including the ongoing construction of Laldia Yard and the Taltala Container Yard, with the latter's 6.25-acre facility expected to be operational very soon. These expansions directly address container congestion issues. A major decongestion initiative is underway to clear over 6,000 containers currently held at the port, with inventory processing completed on almost all of them and specialised auctions already placing 403 containers. Work is also underway, through a seven-member expert committee, to establish clear protocols for the disposal of dangerous goods. On the technology front, the Automated Risk Management Software (ARMS) is progressing through API installation phases, promising to revolutionise cargo inspection through data-driven risk profiling. The Central Bonded Warehouse framework has advanced to the draft SRO stage and awaits summary approval. Meanwhile, new scanner procurement guidelines now authorise the Port Authority to purchase scanners, with specifications from the National Board of Revenue. The Chittagong Port Authority now communicates directly with the National Board of Revenue for rapid resolution of issues, copying but not going via the Ministry of Shipping. Banking and Financial Services Reforms Responding to private sector requests, the central bank has helped activate Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) services at port-area bank branches and is pursuing 24x7 service availability to match the operational realities of international trade. Bangladesh Bank is developing comprehensive flowchart documentation of payment processes for export-import transactions, which will be disseminated through digital channels to diagrammatically clarify regulatory processes. A policy review is underway regarding advance payment limits for imports, Export Retention Quota (ERQ) flexibility, and dollar transfer mechanisms from Bangladesh taka accounts - reforms that could substantially improve working capital management for export-oriented industries. Streamlined Business Registration and Licensing Single-Entry Points have been established for entrepreneurs to access services in Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Chittagong, and Sylhet City Corporations. The Local Government Division intends to roll out similar platforms for gradual rollout across the nation, ensuring consistency with BIDA's platform architecture. In response to feedback, trade license renewal options are now extended from one to five years, reducing the burden of renewing annually. Public-Private Partnership Framework Advancement The draft National Strategy for the adoption and implementation of the PPP Model has been completed, with stakeholder consultations concluded and submission to the Planning Commission pending for finalisation. This framework will provide institutional clarity and risk-sharing mechanisms essential for large-scale infrastructure financing. Investment Pipeline and Transparency Measures In line with enhanced monitoring protocols, all investment agencies now submit pipeline project data to BIDA each month, enabling comprehensive analysis of total investment interests, conversion to actual deals, domestic versus foreign capital deployment, and country-specific investment patterns. BIDA presents consolidated summaries to the Investment Coordination Committee, ensuring evidence-based policymaking and rapid response to emerging trends. Environmental Integration and Sustainability Recognising the strategic importance of environmental considerations in investment decisions, BIDA, the Department of Environment, and the Forest Department are jointly organising a workshop in December 2025, focusing on the benefits of carbon trading and investment facilitation synergies. This workshop aims to position Bangladesh to leverage climate finance mechanisms while maintaining ecological integrity. Small and Medium Enterprise Support The government has initiated specialised support mechanisms for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including marketplace development, direct bank-mediated foreign payment receipt systems, and enhanced support structures coordinated through the SME Foundation. These initiatives recognise SMEs as vital engines of employment generation and innovation. Overall, a cross-cutting theme of these reform measures is digitalisation and streamlining of processes through a limited number of access windows. It is now important to ensure that online services are indeed conducted online (dissuading offline options) and encouraging usage of single windows where possible. In recent months, NBR’s national single window (NSW) has issued over 600,000 permits (most of them within 24 hours) and has saved an estimated 1.2 million physical visits to government offices!

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) in a statement said that despite signing the July Charter, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has consistently opposed the implementation of reforms, showing the thumbs down to the aspirations of the youth and new generation. The notice was published on Sunday night, signed by DUCSU Vice-president Abu Shadik Kayem, General Secretary SM Farhad and Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan, all elected from the Jamaat e Islami student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel in elections last September. The notice states the July Revolution was a combined revolution of the country’s people, against the discriminations, injustice and fascist power structure. It said the aim of this revolution was not only changing the government but also for the basic state reforms, breaking the misuse of power, building independent and strong constitutional institutions, assuring transparency of administrative appointments and building a discrimination-free, fair and new Bangladesh. "But regrettably, despite signing the July Charter, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has consistently opposed the implementation of reforms, showing utter disregard for the aspirations of the young generation. In particular, the BNP has resisted key structural reforms that are directly tied to the dreams and demands of students and the general public," it said. The statement goes on to say, "By opposing proposals aimed at ensuring transparent and politically neutral appointments to constitutional bodies such as the Public Service Commission (PSC), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Ombudsman, and Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, the BNP seeks to maintain its monopoly over power. The discriminatory employment structure that originally triggered the July Uprising remains unchallenged, as the BNP’s resistance to reforming it effectively denies the legitimate rights of the new generation." The notice further states, the BNP’s opposition to the formation of a Judicial Appointment Commission, its objection to amending Article 70, its resistance to modern democratic proposals—such as separating the roles of Prime Minister and party chief—its obstruction of depoliticized elections within the legal profession, and its rejection of an independent criminal investigation service, have together created major obstacles to essential state reforms and the future-building efforts of the youth. In doing so, the BNP essentially denies the spirit of the July Revolution and obstructs the nation’s march toward building a ‘New Bangladesh’. "These reforms are not designed to serve any individual or partisan interest; rather, they aim to establish fundamental state restructuring and to build modern, democratic, and strong national institutions. After the July Revolution, the moral responsibility of rebuilding the nation lies with the students and the people from all walks of life. Therefore, the final decision on these reforms must come from the people themselves. A national referendum is the most appropriate means to secure the people’s mandate—through which citizens will determine which reform proposals truly serve the country’s best interests," added the notice. If the opposition of any political party or institutional influence becomes an obstacle to state-building reforms, the students and people will stand firmly to overcome it. Because the July Revolution was not merely a movement to change rulers or governments—it was a struggle to dismantle a fascist structure and rebuild a just and transparent state, stated the notice.

Bangladesh’s remittances rose to US$2.56 billion in October, recording a 7 percent year-on-year growth and giving a fresh boost to the economy. The growth rate slowed significantly compared to previous months in the current fiscal year, FY2025-26. According to the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent $2.56 billion in remittances in October 2025, up from $2.39 billion recorded in the corresponding month a year earlier. However, the inflow for October was 4.54 percent lower than the $2.68 billion remitted in September 2025. The 7 percent growth in October marks a deceleration from the stronger growth observed in the preceding months-September by 12 percent, August 9 percent and July 30 percent of the FY2025-26. Despite the slowdown in the year-on-year growth rate for the month, the country has generally been witnessing a growing trend in remittance inflows since December last year. The factors driving the uptrend of remittance attribute the sustained increase overseas in flows over the past year to a combination of factors: Narrowing Exchange Rate Gap: A smaller difference between the official and informal (hundi) exchange rates has incentivized workers to use formal banking channels. Crackdown on Money Laundering: Increased regulatory scrutiny and action against illegal money transfers have pushed remittances toward legal avenues. Renewed Patriotism: A heightened sense of patriotism among expatriates following the political changeover last year has reportedly contributed to their decision to remit funds through official channels.

Masudul Hoque, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), has sought the cooperation of the Information and Broadcasting Adviser in introducing healthcare services for accredited journalists at the Secretariat clinic. The request was made when members of the BSRF executive committee met with Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam at the Secretariat on Sunday. BSRF President Masudul Hoque said that the Ministry of Public Administration had earlier decided to provide healthcare services to journalists working at the Secretariat with accreditation cards. Although a letter was sent from the Ministry of Public Administration to the Health Services Division on December 22, 2024, to take necessary action, the decision has yet to be implemented. He also requested the Adviser to allow journalists with accreditation cards to enter the Secretariat through Gate No. 5 in addition to Gate No. 1. In response, Adviser Mahfuj Alam assured that he would sincerely consider the BSRF President’s proposal. BSRF Vice President Mainul Hossain Pinnu, General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal, and other executive committee members were present at the meeting.  

Bangladesh is looking for a suitable land area for setting up a ‘Specialized Defence Economic Zone' to manufacture weapons and ammunition. The government has decided to establish such an ‘Economic Zone’ to meet the growing domestic demand for modern weapons, including drones and cyber-technology-based defence systems for military purposes. The initiative also aims to tap into the potential for exporting these defense products, said a source of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). According to the source, the officials estimated that the development of this industry will require a long-term investment of approximately US $1.5 billion. The project is likely to be set up as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a joint venture, or Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). According to concerned officials, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has approved several key policy decisions to facilitate technology transfer, joint investment, PPP, and FDI, all aimed at modernizing the defense sector and achieving self-sufficiency. The decision to establish the specialized Defense Economic Zone was reportedly made during a meeting chaired by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmood Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BEZA, in September. High-level military and civilian officials were present at the meeting.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, on Sunday directed all concerned agencies to launch a coordinated nationwide initiative to curb air pollution, especially in Dhaka. The adviser came up with the directives while talking to reporters after an emergency coordination meeting held at the Water Development Board building in the capital. The Advisor said that the Department of Environment, the City Corporations, BRTA, RAJUK and other relevant agencies will jointly conduct the drives to reduce air pollution in Dhaka. Issuing a warning, the adviser aid no illegal brick kiln will be allowed to operate in Savar, which has been declared a degraded airshed area. Necessary instructions have already been issued to the concerned authorities in this regard, she said. She also emphasised that building construction and repair works must be carried out under proper covering, otherwise, legal action will be taken. Burning of dry leaves or waste in parks and open spaces must be stopped and strict action will follow against those responsible for polluting the air through open waste burning, she said. The meeting was informed that trees and creepers will be planted on road dividers to help absorb pollutants. Besides, city corporations will regularly spray water on roads to control dust. The Advisor also announced that extensive public awareness campaigns will be undertaken to reduce air pollution.  

The number of registered voters in Bangladesh has reached approximately 12.76 crore, according to the draft updated electoral rolls released by the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday. The total number of the country’s voters is 12,76,12,384. Of them, 6,47,60,382 are male, 6,28,50,772 are female, and 1,230 are from the third gender voters, said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told a press briefing at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Final voter lists to be published Nov 18 The draft electoral rolls will be finalised on November 18 ahead of the 13th parliamentary election by receiving and settling complaints, if any, over the draft list. The EC secretary said the number of voters increased by 13,04,880 between September 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025. The number of male voters is 19,09,610 higher than that of female voters in the country’s electoral rolls. “Those who turned 18 by October 31 last and completed their registration have been included in the voter lists,” he said. EC launches NID, voter registration services for Bangladeshis in Canada The EC will receive any objection and recommendation over the draft electoral rolls by November 17 and release the final lists ahead of the next general election to be held in early February 2026. Earlier, on August 31, the EC had released a supplementary voter list showing 12,63,07,504 total voters, including 6,41,00,455 males, 6,22,05,819 females, and 1,230 third-gender voters.